Peretz Smolenskin

Peretz Smolenskin was born in Monastyrshchina,[1] Mogilev Governorate, Russian Empire (in present-day Smolensk Oblast, Russia).

He began reading secular books and learning Russian under the influence of the Haskalah movement.

Smolenskin traveled through southern Russia and the Crimea, supporting himself by singing in choirs and preaching in synagogues.

In Vienna, Smolenskin founded HaShachar (The Dawn), a Hebrew journal that became a literary platform for the Haskalah movement and early Jewish nationalism.

[3] Smolenskin was a leader in the revolt of young Jews against medievalism and a strong voice for Jewish nationalism.

Shortly before his death he was associated with Laurence Oliphant and became deeply interested in the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.